XA and XD Bandwidth Calculation

The Geeksultant's picture

One of the most overlooked variables when designing a Citrix XenApp (XA) or XenDesktop (XD) infrastructure, is the bandwidth requirements for users. Usually, with 10 Gbps and 1 Gbps circuits in the local LAN, this isn't a huge issue. However, when designing for users coming over WAN circuits, it's critical that the bandwidth requirements be looked at.

BANDWIDTH CALC

bandwidth = (200 * h) + (100 * d) + (1500 * x) + z

h = users with video without Flash redirection - average usage is 200 Kbps
d = users with video with Flash redirection - average usage 100 Kbps
x = users that require 3D Graphics - average usage is 1500 Kbps or 1.5 Mbps
z = addtional 1000 to 2000 kbps to support peaks (>10 users)

Example

You have 5 users that are using thin clients without the ability of Flash redirection (Flash will be rendered on the server instead)
You have 10 users with thick clients that can perform Flash redirection on the client
You have 3 CAD users that will required 3D Graphics
Since you have over 10 users and you have the need for 3D Graphics, you decide to add 2000 Kbps for overhead.

h = 5
d = 10
x = 5
z = 2000

(200 * 5) + (100 * 10) + (1500 *5) + 2000
1000 + 1000 + 7500 + 2000 = 11500

11500 kbps or 11.5 mbps circuit required

The assumption here, is that all users could be active at the same time. If that is not the case, then you could use a smaller circuit.

At the end of the day, is all about making sure that you have enough bandwidth to allow the maximum number of concurrent users to work simultaneously.